‘The players’ association is devising its next step while striving to retain unity. The players are publicly together, but the 700-plus members are eager to get on the ice, and some may have wanted to accept the NHL’s offer. They could follow the lead of the previously locked-out football and basketball players and file a disclaimer of interest, which allows unions in an untenable financial position a chance to dissolve. With no union, the lockout would be declared illegal.’